ALAMEDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ALAMEDA RELOCATION GUIDE
Welcome to Alameda! Whether you are beginning your relocation search or you are ready to book the movers, we are here to provide the information you need to make Alameda your home. Alameda is a hidden gem in the Bay Area, close to everything but far away from the hustle and bustle. While the Relocation Guide will provide you with the information you need to move, at the Chamber we're here for you before you move, while you're moving, and once you're settled. We can help you learn about Alameda and its employers, help you find work by matching you with members who are hiring, or help you find the right location for your business. Once you're here, we can introduce you to your neighbors and get you involved in the community. We host a Chamber Academy series that helps bring the necessary education to people in business. These webinars are free to the community. We cover important topics such as content creation and the economics of healthcare. In Alameda, we believe in the power of community and have a strong shop local program including a shop local card that supports Alameda businesses. We also support a welcoming environment led by our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group. The group helps address inequalities, educate against racially-motivated violence/aggression, and safeguard against systemic racism. The Chamber also gives women opportunities to mentor one another, network, advise, and provide them with other empowerment tools through our Alameda Women Leaders Group. We have brilliant women in all stages of their careers committed to inspiring, illuminating, and enlightening one another. The group meets quarterly with keynote presenters. Plus, the group collaborates with Girls, Inc. to help raise funds to support young women by giving them the guidance and resources they need to develop into leaders.
Relocation Packet -- Welcome Letter (continued)
Speaking of future leaders if you are interested in leadership, we have an active Emerging Leaders group. The group focuses on helping to develop our community’s future leaders, no matter their age. They meet periodically for social interests and presentations on topics that are critical to leadership and business, such as personal branding. And we have four amazing events we host every year: the Business Excellence Awards in February, The State of the City in March, a Golf Outing in June (that's a fundraiser for the Alameda Chamber Foundation), and The Alameda Economic Forecast in October. We also host a monthly Good Morning Alameda networking meeting at a member location. It's a great way to network and learn a little something about an organization in the community. If you're more of an evening person, you'll enjoy our Business After Hours events. Our main priorities through 2023 are: Business Strong - Creating an environment where Alameda businesses thrive. Community Strong – Supporting quality of life initiatives to enhance Alameda’s vitality. Chamber Strong – Creating a strong, sustainable Chamber. One way in which we have already started working on our commitment to strength is through the creation of the Alameda Chamber Foundation. This organization helps us raise the money we need to work on additional community outreach programs that are extremely important to the Chamber and community like ending homelessness, making scholarships available, and empowering youth leadership. A strong economic environment requires a strong community. We are truly fortunate to have leaders, business owners, educators, and citizens who realize we all share in the responsibility of creating economic success and happiness within Alameda. We are looking forward to introducing you to our community and the people who make it so very special. Sincerely, Madlen Saddik President/CEO Alameda Chamber of Commerce
SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/alamedachamber instagram.com/alamedachamber/ www.alamedachamber.com Photo credit for the photos of Alameda: Maurice Ramirez
THINKING OF RELOCATING TO ALAMEDA?
LET US HELP YOU GET STARTED.
Alameda's magic is hard to resist. It's the type of place people come to visit and choose to stay. There are few areas that successfully combine a laid-back island vibe with easy access to large cities the way our beloved island does. With Alameda’s proximity to San Francisco and Oakland, we’re a community that is easily accessible and yet worlds away. Our 23square mile “beach” town offers a slower-paced, less crowded, smalltown feel from its city neighbors without sacrificing the fun or convenience of a hip location. We are also a growing base for life science and technology companies that are choosing to call this area "home." Alameda has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. Real estate options include apartments and condominiums overlooking the Bay, Craftsman bungalows near urban parks, Victorian historic properties, mixed-use shopping and dining districts, and quaint ranch-style homes. Whether shopping for luxury, trendy new builds, or more affordable family options, Alameda has what you’re looking for.
Throughout this relocation guide we share a lot of information. Look for this heart
for some extra special things we love about our area.
Relocation Packet -- Accessibility and Transportation
ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION We’re an (accessible) island. While we boast about the allure of island living, you’re never far from anything. San Francisco is just 20-minutes away by ferry or 40 minutes by car and Oakland is right across the bridge. Alameda is a multi-modal community with many transportation options. Check out our options. We offer convenient bus and shuttle service, train service (commuter and AMTRAK, part of the Capitol Corridor), and ride sharing. Find out more here. In addition, the county incentivizes people to make green choices and reduce their carbon footprint by carpooling and offering free parking to take public transportation. Find out more about the programs here.
Alameda Airport Options The Oakland Airport (OAK) is less than five miles from Alameda and it provides a wonderful gateway tp convenient flights without the headache of a crowded airport. Alameda has many airport options for the best prices and schedules including San Francisco (SFO) (12.9 miles), San Jose (SJC) (33.3 miles), Sacramento (SMF) (73.8 miles) and Reno (RNO) (180.9 miles).
Relocation Packet -- Alameda Schools
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
~Benjamin Franklin
EDUCATION Middle Schools Encinal Jr. High School Lincoln Middle School Wood Middle School
The Alameda Unified School District serves all of Alameda as a "unified" district, which means K-8 schools and high schools are under the same jurisdiction. As with all California school districts, the schools are not part of city government. The district serves approximately 9,300 students from K-12 and employs 540 teachers. There are also 48 private schools and four public charter schools.
Alameda Schools: Elementary
Bay Farm School (K-8) Earhart Elementary Edison Elementary Franklin Elementary Love Elementary Maya Lin School Otis Elementary Paden Elementary Ruby Bridges Elementary School
High Schools Encinal Sr. High School Alameda High School Alameda Science & Technology Institute Island High School
Additional Schools Alameda Adult School Woodstock Child Development Center
Check out Alameda's ratings on GreatSchools.org.
College of Alameda 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda, California 94501 (510) 522-7221
During the pandemic, arts education was limited. A local group called Rhythmix and its Performance, Art & Learning (PAL) program created a free online arts education performance series for Alameda and students, complete with at-home activities and resources for teachers. The group is also partnering with the Alameda Education Foundation to provide a visual arts component and resources to complement each virtual assembly.
UTILITIES Electric
Alameda is unusual in that it does not have private company-supplied electric. The Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) was founded in 1887 and is run/owned by the City of Alameda. It is the oldest municipal electric utility in California and among the oldest in the nation, public or private. The community-owned, not-forprofit utility is known for its costeffective and environmentally responsible energy. AMP’s 100% clean energy mix includes geothermal, hydroelectric, wind and landfill gas. Comparing AMP’s rates to PG&E’s, AMP customers will save 26% on average, or $22 million total, on their utility bills in fiscal year 2022. Residents and businesses love AMP because when other electric companies in the Bay Area shut down sections of power to conserve, Alameda continues to operate. To start service, click here.
TV, Internet Services, Home Phone: Xfinity/Comcast AT&T landline Common Networks DIRECTV Dish
TRASH AND RECYCLING:
OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS Info for Renters and Landlords Address Change with the USPS Voter Registration Change Driver’s License Info Pet License Info Animal Control Animal Shelter Alameda Free Library and Library Branches
Water: EBMUD
Natural Gas: PG&E
ALAMEDA RELOCATION GUIDE
ACI
"There is no place like home." – L. FRANK BAUM
COST OF LIVING According to Best Places Cost of Living Indexes: The National Average is 100%. (average) Overall Grocery Health Housing Median Home Cost Utilities Transportation
Alameda
California
208.6 112.6 103.5 426.7 $986,600 89.4 125.4
149.9 105.1 92.4 239.1 $552,800 102.4 133.1
Relocation Packet -- Cost of Living
The average cost for rent: Studio: 1 BR: 2 BR: 3 BR: 4 BR:
$1835 $2210 $2775 $3835 $4695
WEATHER & CLIMATE If you like a temperate and mild climate, you’ll love Alameda. On average, we only get 22 inches of rain. (The US average is 38 inches.) And we enjoy a whopping 259 sunny days per year so it shouldn’t surprise you that our community and its residents love to get outside. (More about that in our Things to Do section.) While we can’t say never, the Island rarely gets snow. It last snowed in 2018, before that in 2011, and before that 1976. So, when it snows here, we all run outside with surprised looks on our faces.
Weather Averages
Summer High: the July high is around 71 degrees Winter Low: the January low is 44 degrees
In fact, our weather is so nice that we’re rated an 8.7 (out of 10 = best) in the BestPlaces Comfort Index. September, August, and July are the most pleasant months in Alameda, while January and December are our coolest months.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS
Relocation Packet -- Annual Community Events
2nd Friday ArtWalk: Second Friday each month Restaurant Week in January Alameda Community Band Concert in March Annual Downtown Whiskey Stroll in March Spring Celebration Earth Day Festival in April Alameda Sings! Concert in April Annual Downtown Alameda Spring Festival in May Annual Play for the Parks in May Sand Castle & Sculpture Contest in June 4th of July Parade Annual Art & Wine Faire in July Frank Bette Quickdraw in July Blues, Brews, & BBQ in September Annual Classic Car Show in October Haunt Your House Map & Tour Alameda Holiday Boutique in November Tree Lighting in December Hot Cocoa Crawl in December
THINGS TO DO
Relocation Packet -- Things to Do
Alameda is well-known for a variety of cultural, outdoor, and art activities. There is always something going on here. But the best part is that our island is so beautiful, doing nothing at all is also enjoyable. If you ask our residents what they like best, they'll tell you that we're close to everything but also removed from the noise and traffic of the city. You're bound to love our: Award-winning Corica Golf Course. 5 beaches, birding trails, and Crab Cove Aquarium. Walking paths and bike routes that span the length of the island. Spirits Alley, just as the name sounds, Spirits Alley is the place for fun, foodies, and hand-crafted cocktails. There are several breweries and wineries as well. It’s hard to say whether the food, drinks, or views are the favorite draw of this area, a former Naval Air Station. USS Hornet and the rich history of our area. Architecture, a gorgeous blend of old and new. Water sports including kitesurfing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. Choice of restaurants. You'll find everything from fine dining options to breakfast bistros. We have all sorts of ethnic cuisine as well including Mexican, Thai, Afghani, Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean, among others.
INDUSTRIES Alameda has a nicely balanced economy, meaning that no matter what industry you work in, you are likely able to find opportunities. The following industries are major employers and growing in Alameda:
MARITIME
SPACE AND TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION
HEALTHCARE
BIOTECH AND LIFE SCIENCES
MANUFACTURING
RETAIL
HOSPITALITY
NEIGHBORHOODS
Alameda is known for its “quaint” tree-lined streets. Whether you’re looking for charming, older homes or new builds, there are many options to choose from. The names of our areas are as delightful as the places themselves.
ALAMEDA LANDING: The Main Street Ferry Station is just minutes away, so this is a popular area for commuters to San Francisco. It’s also a lot of fun as a mixed-use residential area. Located at the north end of Webster Street, the main street running vertical on the west side of Alameda, Alameda Landing is a 72acre development with a shopping center, Target, Safeway, tons of restaurants (with a mixture of culinary choices including BBQ and pizza to Indian street food and sushi) and newer housing. Up until 1997, this area was known as the Fleet Industrial Supply Center for the U.S. Navy. This area enjoys a rich naval history, which you can explore at the nearby USS Hornet Museum.
BRONZE COAST: ·Love the beach? Then Bronze Coast might be the ideal neighborhood for you. It lies east of the Gold Coast neighborhood and is mostly residential. The area is bordered by a lagoon on the southern side, Central Avenue on the north, Park Street on the eastern side, and Grand Street on the west. If you enjoy historic homes, you’ll love strolling these well-established residential streets with Queen Anne, Victorian and Craftsman styles. Some of the homes along the lagoon feature private docks, for direct access to the water.
Relocation Packet -- Neighborhoods (Cont'd)
CENTRAL ALAMEDA ·The Central Alameda neighborhood is bordered by Webster Street to the west, Grand Street to the east, Central/Encinal Avenue to the south, and Lincoln Avenue to the north. Central Alameda is mostly residential. The home styles are diverse, but you can find Victorian and Craftsman style homes here. There are many restaurants and other businesses on Webster Street. There’s a gym, multiple barber shops and hair salons, second-hand and consignment stores, a comic bookstore, tattoo parlors, and several small grocery establishments. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, visitors and residents enjoy shopping for flowers, fresh fruit, and more at the Urban Village Farmer’s Market at Webster and Haight Streets. The Pacific Pinball Museum is here as well. With over 90 playable games from the 1940s to present day, it makes for a fun date night family outing.
EAST END ·East End is a favorite of families because of its excellent schools and mature parks. Lincoln Park boasts a pool, a rose garden, play structures, and baseball fields. The Alameda Beach is minutes away and features a walking and biking trail (learn more in the To Do section). Visitors to the area love the view of the San Francisco skyline. The East End neighborhood consists of the area east of Park Street and includes the Fernside and Marina neighborhoods. The serene streets crisscross through a mix of Victorian, Craftsman, Tudor, Mediterranean, and mid-century-modern homes.
GOLD COAST ·The Gold Coast neighborhood is as in-demand as it sounds. Home to one of the best-rated elementary schools in the area, its popular for families and those who love history. The area’s stately homes sit on larger lots and are some of the most desired in Alameda. Situated on the south-central part of the island, the Gold Coast is bordered by Central and Encinal Avenues to the north, Grand Street to the east, the Alameda Lagoon to the south, and Caroline Street to the west. Commuters enjoy the location as it offers easy access to downtown Oakland and Interstate 880 via the Posey Tube. It’s also within walking distance of two bus lines that offer regular service to downtown San Francisco and not too far from the ferry station.
Relocation Packet -- Neighborhoods (Cont'd)
HARBOR BAY/BAY FARM If you enjoy sports, you won’t be the only one in Harbor Bay/Bay Farm. Bay Farm Island is mostly residential, but it’s also home to the Chuck Corica Golf Complex, a ferry terminal, and plenty of office and retail complexes. Bay Farm Island is a district of the City of Alameda. It’s connected to the main island by Bay Farm Island Bridge. Bay Farm is considered the older part of the island where 1970’s townhomes, mid-century homes, and Craftsmanstyle dwellings are popular. Harbor Bay is the newer area, featuring man-made lagoons and newer homes in a 917-acre planned community.
MARINA VILLAGE When you see a postcard of Alameda, you’re likely looking at Marina Village. The neighborhood is located on the northwest section of the main island, just east of Webster Street and southeast of the Webster/Posey Tube. Marina Village Parkway cuts through Marina Village, curves north, and eventually enters the Alameda Landing neighborhood and shopping center. Speaking of shopping, the Marina Village Shopping Center is a large outdoor shopping center with a variety of services, places to eat and shop.
SOUTH SHORE ·Convenient retail and relaxing water views are top draws for the South Shore neighborhood. The area features a fantastic shoreline with walking and biking paths, beaches with volleyball nets, and enchanting views of San Francisco. The beach and shoreline are popular with families, pet owners, runners, and those who love taking in the relaxing scenery. South Shore is also home to the South Shore Center, a 594,000 square-foot open-air shopping destination that offers a wide range of services and stores. There you’ll find a mixture of chains, franchises, and local shops featuring locally produced artisanal gifts and treats.
WEST END The West End also overlaps into Central Alameda. Alameda’s West End offers diverse home styles, businesses, restaurants, and entertainment options. Craftsman bungalows, Victorians, and Mid-century Modern homes line the residential streets of the area. At the north end of Webster Street, the main street running North and South, you will find Alameda Landing - a shopping area with many restaurants. Newer-construction homes surround the shopping center and offer a family-friendly community, complete with gathering spots. Nearby, you will find the 59-acre College of Alameda campus. The Pacific Pinball Museum is also here with over 90 games, almost all of them playable.
This is an exciting time to move to Alameda with lots of options, new developments, and mixed-use projects taking shape. We invite you to get to know what makes this area the gem of the East Bay corridor. We also have welcomed more than a dozen new companies to the island this year alone. Work is plentiful and opportunities are abundant. Come join us on the island.
Relocation Packet -- Healthcare
HEALTHCARE Alameda has one major hospital and several in nearby areas as well. There’s the Alameda Hospital and the South Shore Convalescent Hospital. Kaiser Permanente Children’s Hospital
Relocation Packet -- Government
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL Alameda, California is located in the county of Alameda. Contacts for local government are:
CITY OF ALAMEDA ALAMEDA CITY COUNCIL:
City Hall Address 2263 Santa Clara Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: (510) 747-7400
COUNTY AND STATE GOVERNMENT
COUNTY
STATE OFFICIALS GOVERNOR: GAVIN NEWSOM
State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 445-2841 Fax: (916) 445-4633 https://www.gov.ca.gov STATE SENATOR: NANCY SKINNER
State Capitol, Room 5094 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 651-4009 Fax: (916) 651-4909 Or 1515 Clay Street, Suite 200 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: (510) 286-1333 Fax: (510) 286-3885 Website STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
Mia Bonta State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 942490018 Phone: (916) 319-2018 Fax: (916) 319-2118 Or 1515 Clay Street, Ste. 2204 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: (510) 286-1670 Fax: (510) 286-1888 Website Relocation Packet -- Government
Questions? Call 510.522.0414